Germen makes his 20th start of the year across three levels. Morrow is making his second rehab start with the Fisher Cats, on rehab from a mid-July oblique injury. Edgar Ramirezhas been activated from the DL.

Cobb doesn't make sense for Mets at this point, but Jimenez does

The Mets are dealing with a minor injury to Jason Vargas

Mets LHP Jason Vargas threw a bullpen session Monday in advance of surgery Tuesday to remove the hamate bone in his non-throwing hand.

"It gives me the best opportunity to have a normal hand in a six-week period," Vargas said Monday about the surgery, noting that the injury limits him more at bat and in the field than on the mound. He also added that the surgery will mean there won't be issues when catching a ball. It was revealed Sunday that Vargas suffered a fracture of the hamate bone on his glove have after being hit with a line drive during a minor league game last Friday.

Vargas, who signed a two-year deal, $16 million deal earlier this offseason, is expected to resume throwing roughly five days after surgery. He told reporters Monday that it's possible he could miss a series of starts to begin the season, but it's also possible he will not. And this is exactly why signing Vargas was so important, because it added an extra arm in to the mix for depth, while giving Sandy Alderson options and flexibility with his roster...

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Mets' 'five aces' may be lined up for first-ever turn through rotation

The Mets are likely to start the season with Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz in the rotation.

It should first be pointed out that at this point, the "five aces" moniker is more of a reference to what the five pitchers listed below were supposed to be -- not what they are now.

But with the uncertainty surrounding Jason Vargas, the Mets' "five aces" -- Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, and Steven Matz -- may be lined up to make a turn through the rotation together for the first time ever.

Syndergaard, deGrom, and Harvey were always locks for the rotation. And now that Vargas is likely to miss at least one start due to surgery to his non-throwing hand, Matz and Wheeler are expected to slot into the rotation for the first week of the season...

Matz sharp, Cespedes returns as Mets lose to Astros, 2-0

3:40PM

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New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) works in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore/AP)

Steven Matz tossed six strong innings as the Mets lost to the Astros, 2-0, on Monday afternoon in West Palm Beach.

Things you should know about today's game...

Mets to play Triple-A Las Vegas on March 26

4:40PM

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A general view from the press box of First Data Field, home of the St. Lucie Mets (Jasen Vinlove (USA Today))

The Mets will play their Triple-A affiliate, Las Vegas, on March 26 at 1 p.m. at First Data Field before heading to New York to prepare for Opening Day, which takes place on March 29 at Citi Field against the Cardinals.

Tickets for the game against Las Vegas are $5, with the proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event that will be held on April 14.

Fans who purchase tickets will also receive a voucher good for one ticket to the Mets' High-A affiliate St. Lucie's home opener on April 5.

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Matz strikes out nine in six strong innings against Astros

By Danny Abriano | 2:55PM

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New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz throws during the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson/AP)

Mets LHP Steven Matz was dominant at times while limiting the Astros to two runs on five hits in six innings while striking out nine and walking none on Monday afternoon.

"With the slow start I had, I put the work in and it's starting to pay off a little bit," Matz said afterwards. "I'm starting to really feel comfortable on the mound now."

"I don't feel like I'm searching out there anymore," he concluded. "I feel like I can just go and attack, and that's kind of the pitcher I am -- just to go right after guys."

Syndergaard and deGrom ranked as best 1-2 rotation duo in MLB

2:00PM

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Feb 26, 2018; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)

The Nationals' 1-2 of Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg is ranked 2nd.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv| Twitter | Scherzer has been arguably the best pitcher in baseball over the last two seasons, and one of the best over the last five. And Strasburg has been quite awesome since breaking in in 2010. But with the stuff Syndergaard possesses -- and the way he was dominating prior to his lat injury last season -- it's fair to believe he has the most potential of any pitcher in the game. And when you pair that with deGrom, it's hard to not pick them as the best duo in the majors...

Projecting the Mets' Opening Day roster 2.0

Apr 3, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; General view of fans outside Citi Field before a game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | Opening Day at Citi Field is in 10 days. And with the minor injury to Jason Vargas, there has been a wrench thrown into things. Below are the players I think the Mets will carry...

Catchers (2): Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Plawecki

Since the season ended, it has been expected that d'Arnaud and Plawecki (though both right-handed hitters) will split time at catcher this season. And nothing has happened since then to change that...

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Today's Game: Mets @ Astros, 1:05 p.m.

11:00AM

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Mar 9, 2018; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki (26) is greeted by third base coach Glenn Sherlock (53) after hitting a solo home run in the second inning of a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports (Jonathan Dyer)

The Mets travel to play the Astros on Monday at 1:05 p.m. on the MLB Network.

Vargas throws bullpen session, discusses upcoming hand surgery

He will undergo surgery on Tuesday

New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson discusses the hand injury to starting pitcher Jason Vargas, and the next steps regarding his surgery.

Mets LHP Jason Vargas threw a bullpen session on Monday morning in advance of surgery Tuesday to remove the hamate bone in his right (non-throwing) hand.

Vargas is traveling to New York later today in advance of the surgery, and discussed why he opted for it, explaining it was the "fastest way to get better."

"Just because it gives me the best opportunity to have a normal hand in a six-week period," Vargas said about the surgery, adding that he wouldn't have been able to do the necessary things at the plate had he instead played through the injury. He also added that the surgery will mean there won't be issues when catching a ball.

Today's Game: Mets at Orioles, 1:05 p.m.

Mar 18 | 10:35AM

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Feb 26, 2018; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)

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Conforto hits and plays the field in minor league game

The guys on Baseball Night in New York discuss whether they think Michael Conforto will return by his planned date of May 1.

Mets OF Michael Conforto played in a minor league game for the second time since having shoulder surgery last summer and is glad to be getting closer to full health. He went 0-5 with two walks and played the outfield.

"Not much more to report," Conforto said after Saturday's game. "Still got to get the timing back. It's just another step, another day, a couple AB's closer. Looking forward to doing it again tomorrow."

On Friday, Conforto went 0-for-4 with two walks in what was his first game action this spring.

"And so, like George Costanza, Swarzak did the opposite of everything he used to do," Britton wrote. "He changed his fastball from a two-seamer to a four-seamer. He changed his attack plan from getting ground balls to getting strikeouts. He stopped abhorring walks and started throwing balls on purpose."

Swarzak, who signed a two-year deal with the Mets this offseason, credited new Mets manager Mickey Callaway with helping transform his career when the two were in Cleveland in 2015 -- with Swarzak getting stronger and altering his delivery after advice from Callaway...

Things you should know about today's game...

DeGrom fans eight batters in five dominant innings

By Danny Abriano | Mar 16 | 2:11PM

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BNNY: Mets pitching breakdown00:06:37

The Baseball Night New York crew breaks down Jacob deGrom's hot start and assesses the Mets' projected starting rotation in 2018.

Jacob deGrom struck out eight batters -- including four in a row at one point -- in five scoreless innings while allowing one hit and walking none against the Orioles on Friday afternoon at First Data Field.

He threw 55 pitches (41 strikes).

It was deGrom's second Grapefruit League start, with his debut having been delayed due to leaving the team for the birth of his second child and dealing with minor back soreness.

Mets pitching coach Dave Eiland, who was the pitching coach for the Royals during their trips to the World Series in 2014 and 2015, said this version of Matt Harvey would've been the No. 1 starter on those Royals teams.

By Danny Abriano | Mar 16 | 9:25AM

Mets 1B Dominic Smith was supposed to return to the lineup this past Sunday after missing roughly two weeks with a quad injury, but did not play. And he still hasn't returned to the lineup.

Smith was asked earlier this week when he would return, and he seemed frustrated, saying "your guess is as good as mine."

Michelle Ioannou, MetsBlog | Twitter | After being called out by Mets GM Sandy Alderson, Dominic Smith took the offseason seriously. He worked hard, worked out, lost a ton of weight, and wanted to contend for that first base starting role. He pretty much did everything you should do in the off-season, especially when you have a GM you need to prove yourself to. That is, everything except show up to the first game of Spring Training on time...

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard tried to put his second straight opening-day in perspective but let his emotion show.

"I'm super jacked for it," he said Thursday. "It's just a great feeling, second year, starting opening day and coming out of the gates hot."

Mets manager Mickey Callaway said Tuesday that Syndergaard will start against St. Louis on March 29. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings over four spring training appearances, striking out 18 and holding hitters to a .152 average.

Ed Charles, member of the 1969 Miracle Mets, passes away aged 84

Mar 15 | 9:55PM

Ed Charles has passed away, aged 84, at his home in Queens on Thursday, his daughter-in-law confirms. She added that Charles had been sick for a few years.

Charles was a member of the Mets' 1969 title-winning team. He was 36-years-old during the Mets improbable run and retired after that season.

"Ed Charles was this guy, you wanted to sit on his knee and hear how he made it," Ron Swoboda, the right fielder on the 1969 team, told George Vecsey of NY Times. "He had a physical and emotional grace that most of us didn't seem to feel. He would say, 'Don't wrestle with what looks like complexity.'"

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Gsellman's offseason adjustment: Improving posture while playing video games

Things you should know about today's game...

Harvey strikes out eight, allows three runs in five innings

The Daily News Live crew breaks down Matt Harvey's latest Spring Training start as he prepares for the 2018 regular season.

Matt Harvey struck out eight batters -- including the last five he faced -- while allowing three runs on six hits (all singles) and one walk in 5.0 innings against the Marlins on Thursday afternoon in Port St. Lucie.

Harvey, who threw 81 pitches, struggled in the third inning, when he allowed three runs on three hits and a walk and also uncorked a wild pitch.

"Kind of got out of whack in the third (with my mechanics)," Harvey said after the game. "I was happy with settling back in. Those last two innings were much better."

Mets RHP Matt Harvey is among the 10 players in baseball that could end up determining his team's success in 2018, columnist Richard Justice wrote in February for MLB.com.

Harvey will make his fourth start this spring when the Mets face the Marlins at 1:10 p.m. today on SNY at First Data Field in St. Lucie.

I'm fascinated by Harvey's story this season. It's easily the most intriguing track to follow on this year's team. Because, the fact is, if Harvey can get results like he did in 2015, let alone 2013, the Mets should end up having the best rotation in baseball.

According to Davidoff, Walker's representatives initially rejected the offer before trying to accept it at a later date -- which the Mets did not go for.

"Yeah, but that wasn't on me," Walker said about leaving $42 million on the table. "I accepted that deal and it was not accepted from the other side. Regardless of any situations in the past, I can't let any of this stuff affect me moving forward. This is too good of a team here. This is too good of a situation."

Projecting the Mets' Opening Day roster

Apr 3, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; General view of fans outside Citi Field before a game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | Opening Day at Citi Field is in 15 days. And with 44 players remaining in big league camp, the Mets have some decisions to make. Below are the players I think the Mets will carry...

Catchers (2): Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Plawecki

Since the season ended, it has been expected that d'Arnaud and Plawecki (though both right-handed hitters) will split time at catcher this season. And nothing has happened since then to change that...

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Mets should trade Juan Lagares to free up money for Greg Holland

Sep 7, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets center fielder Juan Lagares (12) is congatulated after hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

The way it stands, Lagares is expected to be part of a consistent platoon in center field with Brandon Nimmo, at least until Michael Conforto returns from the disabled list. However, with it looking like Conforto could be back before his original May 1 target date, and given how well Nimmo is playing this spring, I wonder if the Mets are now circling back with teams once interested in Lagares.

If you recall, the Mets reportedly talked with teams interested in Lagares earlier this winter as part of an effort to add money to their budget for other acquisitions.

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Matz rebounds, Guillorme reaches four times as Mets lose to Marlins

Mar 14 | 3:50PM

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GEICO SportsNite: Matz's start00:01:11

Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz and manager Mickey Callaway break down the lefty's latest spring start as the Mets lost to Miami, 5-1.

Steven Matz recovered after a rough first inning and Luis Guillorme had two hits and two walks as the Mets lost to the Marlins, 5-1, on Wednesday afternoon.

Things you should know about today's game...

Matz bounces back after rough first inning

Mar 14 | 2:50PM

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(Steve Mitchell)

After a rough first inning, Mets LHP Steven Matz bounced back to produce a quality start against the Marlins on Wednesday.

Matz began his outing with a walk to Magneuris Sierra and a single to Miguel Rojas. After striking out Starlin Castro and getting a flyout, Matz issued another walk to load the bases. That was when Derek Dietrich hit a single up the middle to score two. He ended the inning with 33 pitches.

However, the lefty hurler didn't let that get to him. In the second inning, he struck out the first two batters while getting Sierra to ground out. The third inning saw more of the same as he went 1-2-3 with a double-play ball ending the inning.

Neither Wheeler or Matz likely to be in bullpen to start season

There are lots of potential scenarios for the rotation and 'pen

The Baseball Night in New York crew break down how the Mets are going to fill out their starting rotation to begin the 2018 season.

Neither Zack Wheeler or Steven Matz is likely to pitch in relief, at least according to the variety of Mets people I have talked with during the last week or so.

I suppose it could happen at some point this season, such as down the stretch or during a postseason roster crunch.

However, for now, because of their respective histories with arm and other injuries, and the amount of time it takes both pitchers to get warm, I believe the organization thinks it would be foolish to make such a switch in roles without first doing a long and methodical transition...

Mic'd Up with Adrian Gonzalez

Mar 14 | 12:45PM

Mets first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is mic'd up during a recent workout at Spring Training in Port St. Lucie.

Mets first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is mic'd up during a recent workout at Spring Training in Port St. Lucie.

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Today's Game: Mets @ Marlins, 1:05 p.m.

Mar 14 | 11:00AM

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New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) works in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore/AP)

Swarzak throws simulated game as he nears return

Mar 14 | 10:55AM

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New York Mets pitcher Anthony Swarzak throws during the third inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson/AP)

Mets RH reliever Anthony Swarzak threw two innings in a simulated game this morning in Port St. Lucie as he nears a return from a strained left calf.

Swarzak has been ramping up his throwing progression over the last 10 days as he works his way back.

He left the game on Feb. 27 against the Astros after suffering the injury, which happened while running to cover first base.

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David Wright aiming to start his Spring Training in May

Wright has been shut down for two months

Mar 14 | 10:35AM

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Wright shut down for eight weeks00:02:36

The Daily News Live crew breaks down the news that David Wright will be sidelined for another eight weeks with back and shoulder injuries.

Mets 3B David Wright, who was re-examined Monday by Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles, can not participate in baseball activities for eight weeks due to persistent shoulder and lower back issues, the team said Tuesday.

Wright will remain in LA for the duration of Spring Training, meet the Mets in New York, and is hopeful he'll be able to begin his Spring Training in May, he told reporters on Wednesday.

"I knew that things weren't going as well as I had hoped," Wright said. "It seemed like the more that we tried to put on my plate, the worse that my body was responding."

Lagares, who is currently expected to be part of a platoon in center field with Brandon Nimmo, was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason. The 28-year-old will earn $6.5 million this season and $9 million in 2019, after which he is eligible for free agency.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | With Brandon Nimmo's strong showing in 2017 and what he's displayed so far in Spring Training, he's earned the right to be the long end of a center field platoon with Lagares. And as a left-handed hitter, that means Nimmo will get the bulk of the at-bats. So where does that leave Lagares?

Syndergaard to start Opening Day, deGrom Game 2 of season

Mets manager Mickey Callaway named Noah Syndergaard as the Opening Day starter, with Jacob deGrom pitching the second game of the season.

Noah Syndergaard will start for the Mets on Opening Day against the Cardinals at Citi Field on March 29, with Jacob deGrom starting the second game of the season on March 31, manager Mickey Callaway said on Tuesday.

DeGrom, who made his Grapefruit League debut on Sunday, is slightly behind schedule due to a lower back issue that made the math for an Opening Day start an impossibility.

Mets pitching coach Dave Eiland said recently that the Mets wouldn't make an exception and rush deGrom, whose schedule means his final Grapefruit League start falls on March 26 -- putting him on four-days rest for the second game of the season.